Leicester are down and very nearly out of the Premier League (Picture: Getty Images)
Leicester manager Dean Smith should invite leading jockey Oisin Murphy to give his lacklustre players a pep talk before their do-or-die match at Newcastle.
The three-time British champion knows all about winning as he rode The Foxes to an impressive victory in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
Struggling towards the rear of the field early on, the three-year-old bay colt – tipped here at 7/1 – kept plugging away and took the lead in the final furlong, gamely fending off rivals to win by a neck.
It was an impressive performance leading Coral to cut the horse owned by King Power Racing, which was founded by the late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, to 10/1 from 20s for the Derby on June 3.
It was a remarkable ride from Murphy as he dug in when the going got tough and refused to be beaten.
That performance is in stark contrast to Leicester’s efforts in a tortuous run in which they have taken just six points from the last 42 available.
Heads have been dropping at an alarming rate and it’s difficult to see that changing at St James’ Park as Newcastle seek to seal Champions League football in style.
It’s obvious where their problems lie as Leicester haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since a 2-0 win at West Ham on November 12 and they have shipped ten goals in their last three outings.
Newcastle have scored 13 in the last four home games so this could turn ugly if they take an early lead.
Callum Wilson can send Newcastle into the Champions League (Picture: Getty Images)
The Magpies to fly to victory by over two goals is 11/4 with Paddy Power and Betfair while a home win by more than three goals is also worth a nibble at 6/1 with Bet Victor and Sky Bet.
Callum Wilson is 7/2 with Betfair to open the scoring while Miguel Almiron is 5/2 with Sky Bet to hit the net at any time.
There’s obviously a much better chance of The Foxes winning the Derby than Leicester staying up.
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The Foxes look to be riding a one-way ticket to the Championship.
